The Caribbean is increasingly becoming the stage for a tale of two global giants, each pursuing influence through contrasting strategies.
On one side stands the United States, flexing its geopolitical muscle and appearing increasingly comfortable reviving the spirit, if not the explicit language, of the Monroe Doctrine to frame its relationship with the region.
On the other side is China, advancing quietly but steadily through an elegant charm offensive that is winning hearts, goodwill and public trust across the Caribbean.
Once viewed with considerable suspicion, China is now widely regarded as a source of hope for several financially pressured Caribbean economies. As global power centres shift and Washington pursues a hardline economic, diplomatic and military posture toward its southern neighbours, Beijing’s approach appears less ideological and more focused on tangible development that people can feel and touch.
America is making reference to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine that declared the Western Hemisphere to be the exclusive sphere of influence of the United States, and warning Europe against further colonisation or interference in the Americas.
While presented as some kind of protective measure for the hemispheric south, the doctrine has evolved over time into a justification for American intervention and dominance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The highly provocative alleged anti-narcotics operations that have killed nearly 100 alleged drug traffickers at sea without judicial review or evidence presented, has raised troubling questions about natural justice, accountability and respect for international law.
In stark contrast, China’s approach seeks to win the hearts and minds of Caribbean governments and citizens. China has emerged as a source of tangible support for the stressed economies of the region. Washington comes across as confrontational and aggressive, while Beijing is positioning itself as a partner who is focused on practical outcomes.
In Barbados, we can see the contrast. China has donated 30 buses to the beleaguered Transport Board, renovated the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, and is actively assisting in the rehabilitation of the severely compromised road network in the Scotland District. These interventions are not symbolic gestures; they are material improvements that affect daily life, mobility and economic activity.
Perhaps the most striking example of China’s soft power was the recent visit of the Chinese hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark. Hundreds of Barbadians, far exceeding official expectations of the Ministry of Health, waited for hours in hopes of accessing free medical care during the ship’s short stay.
Some people arrived as early as 6:30 a.m., and this highlighted not only the demand for healthcare services but the appeal of China’s outreach. While logistical challenges led to frustration among those unable to be accommodated, many patients who received care spoke highly of their experience with the Chinese medical teams.
They described them as “courteous”, well-organised medical teams, with clearly labelled departments, comprehensive diagnostics and assuring follow-up recommendations. Furthermore, many of the Barbadian patients indicated they also received both modern and traditional medicines.
By comparison, many average Barbadians might struggle to point to recent American initiatives that directly improved the island’s infrastructure or addressed any social needs. Instead, what is most visible is the increasing American security footprint and the threat of serious military conflict.
The tensions have now spilled into the region itself. The United States’ actions involving Venezuela appear to have exposed deep fissures within CARICOM. A public exchange between Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and some regional leaders has been surprisingly intense and rancorous.
Persad-Bissessar has accused CARICOM of being an “unreliable partner,” arguing that the organisation has unfairly criticised the United States while appearing sympathetic to Venezuela’s Maduro administration. She has repeatedly defended Americans’ action even when those actions directly affect CARICOM states such as the partial travel ban.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected the claims that CARICOM is dysfunctional.
As CARICOM grapples with these internal divisions and external pressures, China continues its engagement largely without confrontation or rhetoric. It is building roads, supplying equipment, sending medical teams, and it is avoiding public lecturing of sovereign states.
China’s influence today is not through projecting military power alone, but seeking to influence by being responsive and providing visible contributions that improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
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